7i 
Cemetery," published in 1844; "The North American 
Sylva," by Michaux & Nuttall, edited and published in two 
volumes in 1852, and an edition of Bernard McMahon's 
"American Gardening," edited and published in 1854. He 
was also author of 12 important books, editor of over 30 
other volumes, and a writer whose knowledge helped to make 
over 100 other books. 
Downing's Horticulturist, founded and conducted by 
A. J. Downing, — that popular and lamented genius who in 
1852 lost his life in the burning on Hudson River of the 
steamer Henry Clay, — was upon sale, puchased by James 
Vick, who continued it with Patrick Barry as editor. In 
1855, it was purchased by John Jay Smith, who published 
and edited it from July, 1855, until January, i860, inclusive. 
During his editorship, Mr. Smith "delegated to others more 
familiar with every day gardening, to such men as William 
Saunders, R. Robinson Scott, the more practical details, he 
reserved for himself the task of throwing around horticulture 
those intellectual charms, which in all ages have commended 
it to the love of the good and great." (Thos. Meehan 
Gardeners' Monthly, page 378, December, 188 1.) 
After the sale of the "Horticulturist," Mr. Smith con- 
tinued his horticultural writings, and served as a contributor 
under the name of "Jacques" to the "Gardeners' Monthly," 
until his death. The work doubtless by which John Jay 
Smith will be longest remembered will be by the Laurel Hill 
Cemeteries of his creation. In the year 1835, following the 
lead of Dr. Jacob Bigelow, of Boston, he founded, designed 
and superintended the planting of North Laurel Hill 
Cemetery, a project which for a time was looked upon as 
sacrilegious, but which rapidly emerged from prejudice, and 
so quickly grew in public favor that "garden cemeteries" 
were established in many parts of North America. Central, 
South, and West Laurel Hill Cemeteries followed, and the 
rare shrubs and trees there to be found, were planted under 
the direction of Mr. Smith. In the year 1873, "Ivy Lodge" 
was the birth-place of "The Germantown Horticultural 
